Culture and language

The wai#

The wai, pressing your palms together at chest height with a slight bow, is Thailand's traditional greeting and sign of respect. As a student, you'll generally see it used toward teachers and elders. Returning a wai when offered one is polite. A smile plus a slight nod is a safe fallback if you're unsure.

Dress codes at temples and formal spaces#

Many temples and some official buildings expect modest dress: shoulders and knees covered, and shoes removed before entering certain areas. Carrying a light scarf or sarong in your bag helps you meet this without planning your outfit around it. The Grand Palace, near campus, enforces this strictly and can refuse entry for inappropriate dress.

A few basic phrases#

Pronunciation guides are approximate. Thai is a tonal language, so tone matters more than spelling here.

Buddhist holidays and opening hours#

Thailand observes several Buddhist holidays across the year (such as Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Asalha Bucha), when some shops, government offices, and, on certain dates, alcohol sales may be restricted or closed. Check the calendar before planning errands or travel around these dates.

Everyday etiquette worth knowing#

• Remove shoes when a home, some shops, and certain temple buildings clearly expect it; look for a pile of shoes at the entrance as a cue.
• Avoid touching people's heads or pointing your feet directly at people or Buddha images; both are considered disrespectful.
• Public displays of anger or raised voices are viewed less favourably than in some other cultures.

If you get something wrong#

A sincere apology and a willingness to learn go a long way.